April 8: Toronto City Manager Joe Pennachetti will brief the media on his recently released report, New Casino and Convention Development in Toronto, available  here. The Executive Committee will consider the report at a special meeting commencing on Monday, April 15.

On March 31, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that three people in the People’s Republic of China were infected by a new type of avian influenza virus identified as A (H7N9). All cases developed severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties, resulting in the death of two of the three cases. To date, the total number of confirmed cases of human infection with this H7N9 virus in China is nine including three deaths. The H7N9 flu virus causing illness in people in China has not been identified in birds in Canada and there have been no reports of human illness in Canada associated with the H7N9 flu virus.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has released a public health notice which can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/h7n9-0403-eng.php . They are continuing to monitor the situation and the GTHA will keep you abreast of any information we receive. For your information: Hotel Association of Canada’s Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan. This report was created to assist members in the preparation and response to a pandemic outbreak, should one arise, in an appropriate and timely manner.

Ontario's next Premier,  Kathleen Wynne, and her cabinet will be sworn-in on February 11th at Queen's Park. The first cabinet meeting will take place following the ceremony . Read the full story here. 

The top places to visit this year have been released by CNT and Toronto has a coveted position in the top 5. According to Condé Nast, our city's key features include the "stunning" architecture, restaurants, hot new hotels and the arts and cultural scene. The picks were revealed on the Today Show by Condé Nast. See the  Condé Nast Traveler here. See the Today Show video.

Toronto holds the ranking as top U.S. Google search for international travel destination.  See it here at Google

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a press release and posted a warning letter on its website concerning "dip pricing" fees charged by hotels following consumer complaints and an investigation.  "Dip pricing" is defined broadly as a pricing technique in which firms advertise only part of a product's price and reveal other charges later as the customer goes through the buying process. These other changes can include daily fees, sometimes called "resort fees" such as use of gym or pool facilities, internet access and local calls, bottled water, mini-bar snacks and newspapers.  The posted warning letter strongly encourages that hotels review their websites and ensure that their ads do not misrepresent the total price consumers can expect to pay. See the full article on the FTC website.

The path is now clear for the building of a new bridge to be constructed between Windsor and Detroit, after Michigan voters defeated Proposal 6 which would have called for a state-wide vote on plans for any new international crossing. The bridge is a positive step in increasing access to Ontario for visitors and is expected to boost new investments and business opportunities. Construction is expected to start as soon as possible once the necessary permits are processed on both sides of the border.

The City of Toronto has approved that consultations with the public and business move forward on establishing a casino in Toronto.  The City will then report to the Executive Committee in February/March 2013 on the results of the consultation.  For more information including reports presented to the committee please look here